The intent of the grant program is to prepare Tribes and Tribal organizations for assuming all or part of exiting IHS programs, functions, services and activities, and further develop and improve their health management capabilities.

Approximately 16-18 awards will be issued to assist Tribes and Tribal organizations to establish goals and performance measures; assess current management capacity; analyze programs to determine if management is practicable; and develop infrastructure systems to manage or organize the programs, function, services and activities of the current health programs.

The Tribal Management Grant Program consists of four project types with funding amounts and project periods.

CAPT Chris Buchanan, an enrolled member of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, is the Director, Office of Direct Services and Contracting Tribes (ODSCT), for the Indian Health Service. The ODSCT is the focal point for Title I Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act activities and support for Direct Service Tribes. CAPT Buchanan directs this national program with responsibilities which include policy development concerning Title I Indian Self-Determination contracting and the integration of newly recognized Tribes into the IHS system.